Difference between revisions of "Merkava Mk.1B"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''Merkava Mk.1B''' was the first and only subvariant of [[Merkava Mk.1 (USA)|Merkava Mk.1]], which was the first variant of the [[Merkava (Family)|Merkava main battle tank family]]. The IDF formerly had to rely on importing foreign weapons to maintain its armoured units since its industry was inadequate to develop domestic vehicles. The British deciding not to sell the Chieftain to the Israelis (because they were already supplying them to Arab countries) led to Israel to begin their own tank development program. Israel first deployed the Merkava Mk.1 during the Lebanon War in 1982; following the battle, numerous modifications were made and implemented. The Merkava Mk.1B and Merkava Mk.1 are essentially distinguished by the addition of a new firing control system, additional side armour for the suspension, and chains with balls on the back of the turret. Under the back of the turret bustle, there was a shot trap where a well-placed shot might totally jam the turret. Chain netting was added to pre-maturely detonate rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) before they hit the main armour, increasing survivability. In 1983, manufacturing was stopped in favour of the upgraded [[Merkava Mk.2B|Merkava Mk.2]] variant.
+
The Merkava Mk.1 was the first variant of the [[Merkava (Family)|Merkava main battle tank family]]. The IDF formerly had to rely on importing foreign weapons to maintain its armoured units since its industry was inadequate to develop domestic vehicles. The British decision not to sell the Chieftain to the Israelis (because they were already supplying them to Arab countries) led Israel to begin its own tank development program. Development was overseen by General Israel Tal, who was not a professional engineer but an experienced soldier who had participated in World War II and the subsequent Arab-Israeli wars. He laid down the philosophy of the design, which prioritised crew protection, resulting in the tank's unique configuration: the engine was located at the front and, for rapid evacuation and transport of soldiers, a rear hatch was installed, effectively transforming it into an "armoured IFV". By 1974, the first prototypes of the Merkava tank were sent for initial trials, and in December 1979, almost ten years after development began, the Merkava entered service with the IDF. It was first deployed during the 1982 Lebanon War. In 1983, manufacturing was stopped in favour of the upgraded [[Merkava Mk.2B|Merkava Mk.2]] variant. Some Merkava Mk.1s were upgraded to the Mk.2 standard, being redesignated '''Merkava Mk.1B'''.
  
−
Introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]], the Merkava Mk.1B is the first indigenous armoured vehicle in the Israeli ground tree. The positioning of the engine at the front rather than the back, which is the conventional tank configuration, is one of the Merkava main combat tank's extremely distinctive features. The objective of such a design was to increase crew survivability, since Israel is a small country with limited resources and manpower, making it essential for them to survive battles. With its much-improved survivability compared to conventional main battle tanks, players will enjoy playing one of the Middle East's most iconic main battle tanks.
+
Introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]], the Merkava Mk.1B is the first indigenous armoured vehicle in the Israeli ground tree. The positioning of the engine at the front is one of the Merkava's most distinctive features, and improves the tank's survivability by absorbing shots from the front, protecting the crew. However, it also increases the risk of engine failure and fire. The Merkava boasts a powerful gun, a thermal sight, and excellent survivability, aided by its LWS and numerous smoke grenades, but low mobility compared to many Western tanks.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 29: Line 29:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 60 mm (67-76°) ''Front glacis''<br>60 - 90 mm (30-57°) ''Lower glacis''
 +
| 50 + 10 mm ''Top''<br>50 + 10 mm ''Bottom''
 +
| 30 mm (12-44°) mm
 +
| 20 - 30 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Turret || 30 - 65 mm (1-71°) ''Turret front'' <br> 100 mm (0-75°) ''Gun mantlet''
 +
| 65 mm ''Upper turret armour'' <br> 65 mm (0-60°) ''Lower turret armour''
 +
| 65 mm (11° - 66°)
 +
| 30 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Cupola || 30 mm || 30 mm || 30 mm || 30 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 73: Line 79:
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{{:Sharir (105 mm)/Ammunition|M152, M156, M111, M416}}
+
{{:Sharir (105 mm)/Ammunition|M152, M156, M111, M416, M413}}
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
Line 126: Line 132:
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
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''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
+
* Has access to M413 that can penetrate almost anything at its BR
 +
* The engine in the front provides extra crew protection
 +
* Gets access to thermals
 +
* Access to laser warning system
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Reverse gear is slower than later models
 +
* Underpowered engine for its weight
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==

Latest revision as of 07:58, 3 September 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the Israeli medium tank Merkava Mk.1B. For other versions, see Merkava (Family).
Merkava Mk.1B
il_merkava_mk_1b.png
GarageImage Merkava Mk.1B.jpg
Merkava Mk.1B
Israel flag.png Israel
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.3 9.3 9.3
Class:
Research:190 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:520 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Merkava Mk.1 was the first variant of the Merkava main battle tank family. The IDF formerly had to rely on importing foreign weapons to maintain its armoured units since its industry was inadequate to develop domestic vehicles. The British decision not to sell the Chieftain to the Israelis (because they were already supplying them to Arab countries) led Israel to begin its own tank development program. Development was overseen by General Israel Tal, who was not a professional engineer but an experienced soldier who had participated in World War II and the subsequent Arab-Israeli wars. He laid down the philosophy of the design, which prioritised crew protection, resulting in the tank's unique configuration: the engine was located at the front and, for rapid evacuation and transport of soldiers, a rear hatch was installed, effectively transforming it into an "armoured IFV". By 1974, the first prototypes of the Merkava tank were sent for initial trials, and in December 1979, almost ten years after development began, the Merkava entered service with the IDF. It was first deployed during the 1982 Lebanon War. In 1983, manufacturing was stopped in favour of the upgraded Merkava Mk.2 variant. Some Merkava Mk.1s were upgraded to the Mk.2 standard, being redesignated Merkava Mk.1B.

Introduced in Update "Wind of Change", the Merkava Mk.1B is the first indigenous armoured vehicle in the Israeli ground tree. The positioning of the engine at the front is one of the Merkava's most distinctive features, and improves the tank's survivability by absorbing shots from the front, protecting the crew. However, it also increases the risk of engine failure and fire. The Merkava boasts a powerful gun, a thermal sight, and excellent survivability, aided by its LWS and numerous smoke grenades, but low mobility compared to many Western tanks.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
LWS
Notifies about the vehicle's exposure to laser emissions
Armourfront / side / back
Hull90 / 50 / 30
Turret65 / 65 / 65
Crew4 people
Visibility103 %

Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 60 mm (67-76°) Front glacis
60 - 90 mm (30-57°) Lower glacis 		50 + 10 mm Top
50 + 10 mm Bottom 		30 mm (12-44°) mm 20 - 30 mm
Turret 30 - 65 mm (1-71°) Turret front
100 mm (0-75°) Gun mantlet 		65 mm Upper turret armour
65 mm (0-60°) Lower turret armour 		65 mm (11° - 66°) 30 mm
Cupola 30 mm 30 mm 30 mm 30 mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB60 / 13 km/h
RB and SB54 / 12 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
2 back
Weight61.0 t
Engine power
AB1 717 hp
RB and SB900 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB28.1 hp/t
RB and SB14.8 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 60 13 61 1,492 1,717 24.46 28.15
Realistic 54 12 852 900 13.97 14.75

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 869 → 6 109 Sl icon.png
RB3 952 → 6 240 Sl icon.png
SB5 050 → 7 973 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications159 200 Rp icon.png
264 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 600 Ge icon.png
Crew training150 000 Sl icon.png
Experts520 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces950 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 200 / 230 % Sl icon.png
220 / 220 / 220 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement il.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_HESH_ammo_pack
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_M735_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
LWS/LR
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_us_M416_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_DM33_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

105 mm Sharir cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition54 rounds
First-order6 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 20°
Main article: Sharir (105 mm)
105 mm Sharir Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 54 -8°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 38.1 52.7 64.0 70.8 75.3 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
M152 HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
M156 HESH 127 127 127 127 127 127
M111 APFSDS 337 335 330 322 314 306
M413 APFSDS 408 405 398 389 379 370
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M152 HEATFS 1,174 10.5 0.05 0.1 1.27 65° 72° 77°
M156 HESH 731 11.4 0.1 4 3.17 73° 77° 80°
M111 APFSDS 1,455 4.2 - - - 78° 80° 81°
M413 APFSDS 1,455 3.79 - - - 78° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
M416 732 11.6 20 5 25 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Merkava Mk.1B
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
54 31 (+23) 7 (+47) 1 (+53) No

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition6 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 001 shots/min
2 x 7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40 machine gun
Ammunition3 600 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 001 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,000 (200) 577 N/A N/A
7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle (loader) 1,800 (200) 600 -10°/+50° ±120°
Pintle (commander) 1,800 (200) 600 -10°/+50° ±120°
Coaxial 6,000 (200) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Has access to M413 that can penetrate almost anything at its BR
  • The engine in the front provides extra crew protection
  • Gets access to thermals
  • Access to laser warning system

Cons:

  • Reverse gear is slower than later models
  • Underpowered engine for its weight

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Israeli Ordnance Corps (חיל החימוש)
Medium Tanks  M-51 · M-51 (W)
MBTs 
Magach  Magach 1 · Magach 2 · Magach 3 · Magach 3 (ERA) · ▃Magach 3 (ERA) · Magach 5
  Magach 6 · Magach 6A · Magach 6B · Magach 6C · Magach 6R · Magach 6M · Gal Batash
Sho't  Sho't · Sho't Kal Alef · Sho't Kal Gimel · Sho't Kal Dalet · ▄Sho't Kal Dalet
Tiran  Tiran 4 · Tiran 4S
Merkava  ▃Merkava Mk.1 · Merkava Mk.1B · Merkava Mk.2B · ▃Merkava Mk.2B · Merkava Mk.2D
  Merkava Mk.3B · Merkava Mk.3C · ▃Merkava Mk.3D · Merkava Mk.4B · Merkava Mk.4M
Tank destroyers  Zachlam Tager
See Also  Chrysler Defense · Department of Tank Design · Morozov Design Bureau

Israel medium tanks
M-51  M-51 · M-51 (W)
Magach  Magach 1 · Magach 2 · Magach 3 · Magach 3 (ERA) · Magach 5 · Magach 6
  Magach 6A · Magach 6B · Magach 6B Gal · Gal Batash · Magach 6C · Magach 6M · Magach 6R · Magach Hydra · Magach 7C
Tiran  Tiran 4 · Tiran 4S · Tiran 6
Sho't  Sho't · Sho't Kal Alef · Sho't Kal Gimel · Sho't Kal Dalet
Merkava  Merkava Mk.1B · Merkava Mk.2B · Merkava Mk.2D · Merkava Mk.3B · Merkava Mk.3C · Ra'am Sagol
  Merkava Mk.4B · Merkava Mk.4M · Merkava Mk.4 LIC

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